Jamal Murray and Tobias Harris headline the NBA players union’s first-of-its-kind event arriving this week.
For the first time, NBA fans will be able to participate in an event specifically designed to connect them with their favorite players off the court in new and innovative ways, unites basketball with the worlds of music, gaming, fashion, business, and beyond.
The inaugural NBPA PlayerCon, which will take place Aug. 11 and 12, is billed as an interactive fan festival that connects fans with the stars of the game, with Jamal Murray and Tobias Harris leading the lineup.
The NBPA also announced that incoming rookies Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Alperen Șengün (Rockets), Ayo Donsumo (Bulls), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), and Trey Murphy (Pelicans) will participate in the festivities, as will rapper Chamillionaire and former NFL player Gerome Sapp, music producer Hit-Boy, and music industry executive Lenny S.
“Over the last year, we have seen the evolution of how our players interact with industry leaders and the public,” said Payne Brown, President of THINK450, the NBPA’s licensing and business development company. “THINK450 and our members are excited to introduce NBPA’s PlayerCon as an innovative virtual event that highlights the players’ diverse interests off the court.”
The two-day virtual PlayerCon includes an opportunity for two fans to play alongside Ball and Murray in a 2v2 game of NBA2K. Fans can register for a chance to play on the official PlayerCon website.
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There will also be a game of 21 Questions with the 2021 rookie class, with fans eligible to enter a trivia challenge based around the game for a chance to win NBA merch. Other events include a start-up pitch contest, roundtable conversations, and an exclusive music listening session.
NFT collectibles platform NBA Top Shot and the blockchain company behind it, Dapper Labs, are presenting partners for the event, and as a result, non-fungible tokens will play a major role in the proceedings. Barnes will be among the players featured in the NFTs attendees will receive as an exclusive gift.
Video game wagering service PLLAY and sneaker investment platform Rares are aboard as supporting partners.
NBA Top Shot will send 100 community members of its own to PlayerCon. Those members will have access to player meet-and-greets, autographs, and more. Other fans looking to participate can purchase passes with varying prices depending on their level of access. A live view of the 2v2 matchup will be provided for free, while additional perks go for between $19 and $29.
Though PlayerCon will be held virtually in 2021, the hope is that future editions will take place in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League.
“We believe it will evolve to be a marquee in-person event that allows fans and players to engage over shared passion like they never have before,” Brown said.
